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OLD CHURCH * BROAD STREET. 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE 



DELIVERED ON THE OCCASION OF THE 




TEMIAL^ 



OF THE 



tmruiti 




BY THE PASTOR 



ISAAC S, HARTLEY, D.D 



January, i880.^ 



published by Bequest. 



UTICA, N. Y. 

Curtiss & Childs, Book and Job Printers, 167 Genesee Street, 
mdccclxxx. 



e [Reformed Protestant }Dutct) dottrel) 
in America 

~^Mas «Drgani}eo in 1628, 

bv tljt 

Ket). Jonas £Hicl)aeiins, ®* ®» 



^t»pt ®f tm of % (Klprtli. 

k. 



pastor, 

ISAAC S. HARTLEY, D. D. 



g&embcvs of ttte (jtonsisiarg, 

fibers. 

WILLIAM J. BACON, 
MOSES M. BAGG, 
G. CLARENCE CHURCHILL, 
DAVID TIMERMAN. 

JUeacons. 

ABRAM G. BROWER, 
SETH W. CRITTENDEN, 
GEORGE DUBOIS, 
CORDEN HACKETT. 



Itoard of grxtstees. 



THEODORE. P. BALLOU, 

EDWARD S. BRAYTON, {President,) 

ABRAM G. BROWER, 

G. CLARENCE CHURCHILL, 

JOHN M. CROUSE, 

HENRY H. FISH. 

ADDISON C. MILLER, 

PUBLIUS V. ROGERS, 

EDWARD A. TALLMAN, 

SETH W. CRITTENDEN, (Treasurer.) 



CHARLES B NORRIS, Superintendent. 
EDWARD GILLESPIE. Secretary. 
CHARLES B. ROGERS, Librarian. 
SETH W. CRITTENDEN, Treasurer. 

©rganist, 

JOSEPH SIEBOTH. Mus. Doc. 

Sexton, 

THOMAS EVANS. 



\ 



I 

ladies' Aid Aojctcttj. 



MRS. EMMA MANN, President. 

MRS. D. W. NORTH RUP, Vice President. 

MRS. E. P. HODGES, 

MRS. CORDEN HACKETT, " 

MRS. CHARLES B. CROUSE, Treasurer. 

MRS. ISAAC S. HARTLEY, Secretary. 



JucUtBtvial SbtUool. 



MRS. EMMA MANN, Directress. 



Ye shall hallow the fiftieth year — 
it shall be a jubilee unto you. 

Levit. xxv. 10. 

These words introduce us to one of the main features 
in the polity of the Hebrews. It was not enough that 
they should " remember the Sabbath day to keep it 
holy," nor that ''the land shall keep a Sabbath unto 
the Lord," they were also "to hallow the fiftieth year." 
When we recall the purpose of the Jubilee year — what 
it involved — what it secured, — no one will be led to 
question its humanity. 

The year of jubilee was the synonym for joy and 
liberty in their purest and holiest sense. This year 
there was to be neither ploughing, nor sowing, nor 
reaping. Lands which had passed out of the hands of 
families by whom they were originally owned, this year 
reverted to their original possessors. All sales also of 
country homesteads were forever cancelled. Has a 
Levite, through stress of circumstances, been obliged 
to part with his house and lot ; this year he becomes 
again its owner. Has any poor Israelite been forced 
by poverty to sell his services to any of his own country- 
men, or to a foreginer, or has he been sold for debt, or 



8 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

theft, or for any other cause ; this year gave him also 
full release. Indeed, this year inordinate ambition to 
grasp or to accumulate vast possessions was rebuked, 
and all who had been compelled to submit to the bor- 
ing of their ears as pledge of their servitude, were given 
their freedom ; leases became null and void ; and fam- 
lies that had long been separated were re-united, and 
were guaranteed, for one year at least, their unity. 
How fitting that such a year should be ushered in with 
the blowing of trumpets, and that all, who sought from 
it deliverance, should pass the previous night in scenes 
of merriment and cheer ; and crowned with garlands 
of many colors await its early dawn ! 

Nor does this desire to commemorate important 
events stand alone. As we turn over the pages of the 
Bible we meet with other illustrations. At rocky Bethel 
the victor, Jacob, set up a pillar ; and in Mt. Gilead 
a pile of rude stones commemorated his transactions 
with Laban. When Jehovah appeared to him at Pad- 
an-aram, he set up here also a pillar to perpetuate the 
blessing. Twelve pillars among the rocks at Sinai may 
still witness to the presence of Moses ; and Jordan's 
muddy bed may yet surrender the stones which mark- 
ed the passage of Israel. Important events form the 
epochs of history, and great acts frequently receive 
some form of remembrance. 

As we have reached the fiftieth year in the history 
of our individual church, how proper that we should 
observe such an event, and meet together as we have 
this hour to thank God for the love wherewith in all 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 



9 



| these years He has remembered us ; and while we re- 
view our history, extend to each other such salutations 
and cheer as the occasion so naturally suggests ? 

Fifty years ! what a period in the life of an individ- 
ual, and even in the history of a nation ? Were we 
to make the inquiry of the prophet our own, "who 
is left among you that saw this house in her first 
glory," there would not be from this audience a single 
response ! Fifty years ago, the speaker and the larger 
number now addressed were unborn. Fifty years ago, 
our honored sires and matrons — the many who wear 
the crown of age— were children, and were romping with 
nimble feet about the old homestead, making its halls 
ring with merry laugh and glee. Fifty years ago, our 
beautiful city was merely a village containing not more 
than ten thousand inhabitants. Fifty years ago, the 
spot where we are now worshipping, was known as the 
" Cooper farm ; " the street to the south was unopened, 
about us the cattle grazed, lambs frisked, colts frolick- 
ed, and neighboring fields were yellow with the waving 
grain. Fifty years ago, families living upon this very 
square passed the night at Bagg's Hotel to be ready 
for the morning stage. Fifty years ago, there were no 
railroads for carrying passengers, no ocean steamships, 
no telegraphs, no cables, no telephones, no audiphones, 
no steel pens in common use, no envelopes, no writing 
machines, no postal cards nor perforated stamps. 
There were no photography, no chloroform, no glycer- 
ine, no collodion, no gun-cotton, no revolvers, no re- 
frigerators, no sewing machines, no lucifer matches, no 



io Semi- Centennial Year of the 

velocipedes, no electro-plating, no gutta percha: the 
table fork had but two prongs, while balanced table 
knives were unknown. Fifty years ago, petroleum 
still lay undisturbed beneath our fields, and with it slept 
the mauve, magenta and other valued dyes. Indeed, 
since this church was founded, the events, that have 
occurred among us as a nation, have wrought wond- 
rous changes throughout the world. We have acquir- 
ed no little portion of eastern Mexico, while Califor- 
nia to the far west has come to us with its mines of 
the precious metals. Fifty years ago, there was not one 
Protestant Episcopal clergyman in the state of Ten- 
nessee. Fifty years ago, all our southern states were 
stained with slavery ; now, less a few Chinese on our 
western shore and the Indians whom the government 
has ever wronged, by denying to them rights which a 
Zulu could claim among us, all are free. Half a cen- 
tury ago, only twenty-four jewels glistened in our nati- 
onal crown ; and the population of the United States 
was less than twelve millions, now it is quite forty-five 
millions. Fifty years ago, the great benevolent organ- 
izations as Foreign and Domestic Missions, the Bible 
Society, Boards of Education and the like, were in 
their youth, and, with some questionable enterprises ; 
to-day, they are the great moral forces of the world. 
Within fifty years, entire heathen nations have become 
converted ; some, as Japan and the Sandwich Islands, 
declaring for Christianity. Fifty years ago, a complete 
copy of the Old Testament could not be found in the 
city of Jerusalem. 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 1 1 

J Nor have changes been less great among other peo- 
ples. Fifty years ago, France was Bourbon, Germany 
and Italy largely Austrian, and Europe was under the 
despotic dominion of the mis-called " Holy Alliance." 
Nor have Asia, Africa, Australia and the isles of the 
sea been behind the other nationalities of the globe. 
Since the heat of summer, Mtesa, the King of central 
Africa, has abolished slavery in his dominions. Indeed, 
if there has been a period in the history of the race, 
that may be called a brain period, it is the last fifty 
years. In every science, among all the arts, in every 
department of investigation, history, poetry, literature, 
art, government, commerce, and in every form of me- 
chanical industry, and in religion, there have been most 
wondrous advances ; so much so that our age may be 
called the rapid age ; an age when but a few weeks are 
required, to bring about changes affecting the destiny 
and happiness of the race. Such has been the period 
through which we have just passed. 

So far as I have been able to learn, our church had 
its immediate origin, under the auspices of the Board 
of Domestic Missions in connection with our Reform- 
ed Church. Without referring to the numerous efforts 
which, during the last two centuries, our denomination 
put forth for the planting of churches among the set- 
tlers and the spiritually destitute in this country, so 
early, however, as 1806, the Particular Synod of New 
York requested General Synod, to resume the imme- 
diate management of all the missionary operations of 
the church, hitherto entrusted to the Classis of Albany. 



12 Semi-Ce?itennial Year of the 

Under this new arrangement a fresh impetus was 
given to the work of domestic missions ; and a few 
years elapsed before the^mission reported the founding 
of Reformed Churches in Canada, as well as in central 
and southern New York. 

At this period one of the most 1 energetic laborers 
in connection with our denomination, in this particular 
section of the state, was the Rev. John P. Spinner. 
Father Spinner, as he was familiarly called, was invited 
to the pastorate of the Reformed Dutch Church at 
Fort Herkimer, as early as 1801 ; and ministered to 
the same so recent as 1 848. Though the pastor of this 
church only, so often however as opportunity presented, 
he preached and discharged the many duties of the 
pastorate in the towns of Columbia, Warren, Manlius, 
Indian Castle, Esquawk, Manheim, Schuyler, Deer- 
field, and other places. In Deerfield, finding quite a 
number of families in sympathy with the church which 
he represented, and knowing likewise that they would 
feel more settled to be in active fellowship with the 
church, they were persuaded to unite with the congre- 
gation at Fort Herkimer, and thus become members 
of his special church. Many of them so did. As a 
result, Mr. Spinner visited more frequently Deerfield 
than any of his other missionary parishes, and dispens- 
ed the ordinances of the church to such as, by the in- 
firmities of age, were prevented from attending the 
parish church. Later, he felt that a preaching service 
might be regularly maintained. Accordingly, at first, 
the private rooms of some of his parishioners were 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 13 

I used for this purpose, and on their proving inadequate, 
on the completion of the Baptist Church its audience 
room was engaged and used, so often as it was not 
required by the members of this society. House ser- 
vices were held as early as 1823. The Rev.Mr. Spin- 
ner, therefore, was the first, in this immediate neigh- 
borhood, to labor in the interests of our denomination, 
and to urge upon the Dutch families the remembrance 
of their baptismal vows ; and so soon as circumstances 
permitted, the organization of themselves into a separ- 
ate congregation, in fellowship with their ancestral 
faith. Several years however of faithful labor were 
required before such a conclusion was reached ; years 
which Mr. Spinner improved in organizing catecheti- 
cal classes, visiting from house to house, in baptizing 
the children of believers, and in ordaining two elders 
to keep such an oversight over the new flock, as he from 
his distant residence could not possibly exercise. The 
persons appointed for this purpose were Messrs. George 
M. Weaver and Adam Bowman ; it was understood 
that their duties were to be confined to their own 
district, or to the district of Deerfield. 

The Baptist congregation now required the use of 
their building, at the hours occupied by the formative 
congregation. Accordingly accommodations were im- 
mediately sought and secured in Utica, in the old 
Methodist Church, on Main street. The movement 
seemed to consolidate the congregation ; so much so 
that up to the year 1825, Mr. Spinner came to Utica 
nearly every alternate Sunday. In this building how- 



14 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

ever, no communion services were held ; as Mr. Spin- 
ner deemed it far better that all the members of his 
church should be together on such an occasion ; and 
since he was the pastor of the church at Fort Herki- 
mer, and they were members of this church, he required 
that they should attend the parent church, and within 
its walls receive that ordinance which made them one 
in Christ, and one with each other. 

While services were thus being held by the Rev. Mr. 
Spinner, the Rev. Mr. Labagh, one of the mission- 
aries in connection with our Reformed Church, visited 
this city to learn the spiritual wants of the community, 
and so far as possible also to make some provision for 
them. This was as early as 1826. He had not, how- 
ever, been long among us, before it was discovered 
that the peace and unity of the churches in our city, as 
well as in other parts of the State, had been greatly 
disturbed by the introduction of what were known as 
"new measures." What these "new measures" con- 
templated need not now concern us ; but, as time ad- 
vanced, many regarding them as fraught with serious 
consequences, and finding no relief in the communions 
to which they belonged, withdrew ; and learning that 
the Rev. Mr. Labagh desired to establish a new church 
so soon as the necessity for the same existed, they 
pledged him, in furtherance of such purpose, all coun- 
sel and active co-operation. 

On the appearance, of the Rev. Mr. Labagh, the 
Rev. Mr. Spinner convinced that the scattered fami- 
lies could be far better cared for by a resident mission- 



Reformed Church, Utica, A T . Y. 15 

ary, than by such irregular labor as he had been able 
to render, relinquished the care of this part of his par- 
ish to Mr. Labagh; but though he withdrew from its 
more active duties, he neither lost his interest in this 
promising field, nor did he ever decline to perform any 
service that his mission parishioners required at his 
hands. Mr. Labagh, therefore, having assumed the 
trust, at once commenced his work by canvassing anew 
this entire district; visiting however more especially 
the Holland and German families in Deerfield, to 
whom Mr. Spinner had been pastor and counsellor; 
and as these families had far less privileges than many 
residing in Utica proper, and desired also at the suitable 
time a church organization of their own, they were 
the first to propose the establishment, in this imme- 
diate locality, of a Reformed Church. In fact, so earn- 
est were the people of Deerfield to have near them a 
church of their own faith and doctrine, that Mr. John 
Nicholas Weaver offered, as a site for the same, a plot 
of ground west of the turnpike. That the plan for the 
contemplated organization might assume some form, 
since a location had now been offered, it was thought 
best that the Baptist church be again secured, and ser- 
vices be held in it so often as the engagements of Mr. 
Labagh would permit ; and until such a period as would 
justify further measures. This was in 1826. The fol- 
lowing year Mr. Labagh, learning that some families 
in Utica were also desirous of forming a Reformed 
Church in this city, concluded to bring together all the 
parties favoring such an organization, to test the 



1 6 Semi- Centennial Year of the 

strength of the promises which friends this side of the 
river had made to him, and, should the way be clear, 
to proceed immediately to the work of organization 
and of building. Services were therefore appointed to 
be held, for the future, in Washington Hall. Here 
the Deerfield and Utica parties first met in joint coun- 
sel and prayer, and it was here also where those plans 
were matured which culminated in our present organ- 
ization. 

The union proved most happy; indeed, it met with 
unlooked for success. Consequently, late this same 
year positive measures were set on foot to secure a fit- 
ting place of worship, and to form a strictly legal organ- 
ization. Before however these plans had matured, the 
Rev. Mr. Labagh was called away to give his atten- 
tion to fields more missionary in their character. On 
his withdrawal, he was succeeded by the Rev. John F. 
Schermerhorn who, though familiar with the enter- 
prise, had not at this period any official connection 
with it. Mr. Schermerhorn immediately entered 
upon his duties; and quickly discovering the necessity 
for a new church, not only adopted the views of 
his predecessor, but at once set about their execu- 
tion. Accordingly, after a brief residence in the city, 
he called together the friends of the contemplated or- 
ganization, to ascertain what could be done towards 
erecting, and immediately, a proper building for wor- 
ship. After a free interchange of views, in which all 
the affairs of the proposed new enterprise were fully 
discussed, it was resolved that, a committee on church 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 



/ building be appointed to find a proper site; and to 
solicit also such contributions as might be required, 
to ensure success to the proposed organization. The 
following were appointed: Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, 
Abraham Varick, Charles C. Brodhead, William Clarke 
and Elizur Goodrich. The site selected was a lot one 
hundred feet square situated on the corner of Broad 
and John streets, then owned by Mr. Samuel Stock- 
ing, for which was paid the sum of five thousand dol- 
lars. The subscription paper stipulated that one- 
fourth of the amount subscribed should be paid on the- 
first of May 1828; and the remainder in regular quar- 
terly instalments, till the full amount should be received. 
Mr. Abraham Varick headed the paper with a subscrip- 
tion of five hundred dollars; Mr. Elizur Goodrich follow- 
ed with the same amount; Mrs. Maria Miller gave one- 
fourth of the purchase price of the lot; Messrs. William 
Clarke and John G. W T eaver each two hundred and 
fifty dollars, and others lesser sums, aggregating nearly 
thirty-five hundred dollars. Mr. John Dyckman pledged 
himself for "an hundred dollars in brick, if he had 
good luck in burning." 

Such were the earliest subscriptions towards the 
founding of the Broad Street Church. Late in 1829, 
another thousand dollars were subscribed by friends in 
this city. The following amounts were secured else- 
where: from friends in the city of Albany, one thou- 
sand nine hundred and eighty-four dollars; from the 
same in New York, two' thousand one hundred and 
seventy-three dollars; from the General Synod of the 

B 



i8 



Sem i- Cen ten n ia I } r ea r o f th c 



Reformed Dutch Church, two hundred and forty-two 
dollars; the Classis of New Brunswick one hundred 
and twenty-eight dollars; the Classis of Poughkeepsie 
forty-five dollars, and the Classis of Bergen eighty dol- 
lars — making more than nine thousand dollars; of 
which sum eight thousand seven hundred and ninety- 
eight dollars were paid to the treasurer before the close 
of the year. Plans were now drawn, and the work of 
building begun. On the 26th of June, a contract was 
made between Mr. Abraham Varick and four others 
of the first part, and Mr. James McGregor of the sec- 
ond part, to lay the stone and brick for a building sev- 
enty-five by fifty-four feet, to be called the Dutch Re- 
formed Church, at five shillings per perch; and for lay- 
ing the brick eighteen shillings per thousand. Another 
contract was made with Mr. John G. Weaver to de- 
liver all the requisite brick, lime and sand; and another 
with Mr. Edward Crane for such timber and materials 
as were necessary to enclose the church. But without 
specifying the several contracts then entered into, in 
the interests of the church, the following is a sum- 



mary of the debts contracted: 

Samuel Stocking's account, .... $5,234 59 
J. McCreary, " /VW A A 5881 

Rutger B. Miller, " "250 
J. G. Weaver, " . . . ~ . \< ^2,530 00 

Edward Crane, " .... 5,819 21 

J. McGregor, " 3. 121 67 

J. Mason & Co. " .... 435 52 

Hyde, Allen & Joslyn " 51691 

Munson & Co. " . . % . .28200 

Sundry materials 5 2 9 °3 

Miscellaneous, 666 58 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. * 19 

making the sum of $19,306.82, which, ere the building 
was completed, was increased to $19,989.42; and this 
is exclusive of the organ and upholstering. The mon- 
eys on hand to meet this indebtedness were from sub- 
scriptions $8,798.00; a loan through General Synod 
amounting to $6,000.00 ; which, with a few late sub- 
scriptions, increased the resources of the society to 
$14,902.89. Such was the condition of the church 
when, in June 1830, it was declared ready for occu- 
pancy. The same month witnessed its dedication to 
the worship of the one living and true God. There 
was present a large assemblage; composed not merely 
of the residents of this city and its neighborhood, but 
of many also from the cities of Albany and New York 
who had contributed so freely to its resources, and who 
desired to witness this solemn service, and leave with 
the devoted few their richest blessing. 

The discourse on this occasion was preached by the 
Rev. Dr. Ludlow of Albany; the Rev. Dr. Yates of 
Chittenango with the Reverends Messrs. Schermerhorn, 
Brower and Bethune assisting in the services. The 
following Sunday regular ministrations began under 
the care of Rev. Mr. Schermerhorn, with an attendance 
of thirty adults. 

As the church, at this period of its history, was a 
missionary organization, and under the care of the 
Mission Board of the Reformed Church, an effort was 
now put forth to make it independent of such aid ; but 
to remain in connection with the denomination, the 
labors of whose missionaries had been crowned with 



20 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

such gratifying 1 success. In less than five months this 
result was obtained. On the 26th of October, 1830, 
agreeably to a previous notice, a number of its sup- 
porters assembled in the church, and gave direction 
and validity to their purpose. The Rev. Mr. Scherm- 
erhorn was called to the chair; the exercises were open- 
ed with the reading of the 132 Psalm, by the Rev. 
George W. Bethune, followed with prayer by the pre- 
siding officer; after which the congregation united in 
singing: 

Before Jehovah's awful throne, 

Ye nations, bow with sacred joy : 
Know that the Lord is God alone ; 

He can create, and He destroy. 

It was found that thirty-nine individuals were present, 
having letters of dismission, who were desirous to be 
duly organized into a church, according to the faith 
and practice of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church 
in North America. After the Rev. Mr. Schermerhorn 
had explained the nature of the compact into which 
they were about to enter, and the grave responsibilities 
before them, and the Rev. Mr. Bethune had spoken 
of the blessings that awaited them, the church, by a 
rising vote, was declared to be duly organized, and its 
members to be known in the future, as members of the 
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the city of 
Utica. Prayer was offered that God would care for 
the little flock now about to enter a new field ; when, 
after singing 

Arise, O King of grace, arise, 

And enter to Thy rest : 
Lo. Thy church waits, with longing eyes, 

Thus to be own'd and blessed! 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 



the apostolic benediction was pronounced by the Rev. 
Mr. Schermerhorn. 

The church being thus organized according to the 
constitution of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, 
a meeting of the male members was immediately called 
for the purpose of electing elders and deacons. The 
election resulted in the selection of Messrs. Abraham 
Yarick and George M. Weaver, Jr., as elders ; and 
Messrs. Nicholas G. Weaver and Richard Yaughan as 
deacons. These brethren, the following Saturday 
evening at the close of the preparatory service, were 
duly installed. The next day at the communion ser- 
vice, the little flock was increased by the addition of 
seven through certificate, and by six on confession of 
their faith in Christ. Such were the beginnings of this 
church — such its origin. 

The new organization now under way, the Rev. Mr. 
Schermerhorn finding that the demands upon him were 
such as to prevent him from giving it the care and 
watchfulness it required, suggested to the congregation 
the necessity of obtaining as soon as possible a pastor, 
whose ministrations would be far more regular than he 
could possibly promise. The advice was adopted ; and 
at a meeting held the first of November following, a 
call was unanimously made and extended to the Rev. 
George W. Bethune, then at Rhinebeck, to accept the 
position of pastor, at a salary of one thousand dollars. 
The Rev. Mr. Bethune accepted the call ; and on the 
evening of the seventh of the same month, was duly 
installed into his new trust. At this solemn service, 



22 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn presided and read 
the form ; the Rev. Dr. John Gosman of Kingston, 
preached the sermon ; the Rev. Dr. Yates of Chitten- 
ango, delivered the charge to the pastor ; the Rev. M r. 
Schermerhorn addressed the people; the services closing 
with prayer by the Rev. James Stevenson. 

Speaking as I now am of 'first things' in connection 
with our history, let me here say, Justus H. Rathbone 
was the first treasurer of this church — elected Nov. 9th, 
1830; Philip H. Boice its first sexton, elected at the 
same time ; James Blake its first chorister ; George 
Dutton its first organist ; the first child baptized was 
Susan Yates, the infant daughter of Rev. John F. 
Schermerhorn and Catharine, his wife ; the first mar- 
riage, Archibald Smith to Miss Janet Williamson, both 
of Scotland ; Elizur Goodrich was the first superin- 
tendent of the Sunday school ; David Wager its first 
librarian and John G. Floyd its first secretary. 

At this early period in our history, I find in the pro- 
ceedings of the consistory the following tabular state- 
ment given at the meeting of the Classis of Cayuga, 
at its spring session, in 1 83 1 ; and since it is the first 
official report presented to Classis of the condition of 
the church, it merits preservation. " At the first com- 
munion season, immediately after our formation by your 
order on the 26th of October last, forty-six were unit- 
ed in fellowship by certificate from other churches, and 
six by confession of their faith. At the second season 
of communion, fourteen were added by certificate, and 
six by confession ; and at the last communion, fifteen 



Reformed Church, Utiea, N. Y. 23 

/joined by certificate and eighteen by confession. Our 
Sabbath school numbers nearly two hundred children 
with twenty-five teachers. Our Bible class comprises, 
with few exceptions, all the youth of the congregation. 
Our record, therefore, for the year is seventy families ; 
received seventy-five members by certificate, thirty on 
confession; baptized three adults and five children ; no 
deaths ; no dismissals. Our religious and benevolent 
contributions were over $ 1000; our pew rentals, $ 1 ,230. 

I feel that it does not comport with the requirements 
of this occasion, nor is it at all in harmony with my 
purpose, in this rapid review of our history, to recall 
the many incidents which from time to time have oc- 
curred in our church life — to repeat to you the pith of 
our consistorial records — to parade our victories, or to 
allude to our defeats. Nor am I aware that this happv 
season demands that I should examine the varied meas- 
ures, which have been brought forward bearing on the 
welfare of this church, showing wherein our fathers 
manifestly erred, and wherein they displayed great fore- 
sight and wisdom. Still less is it needful that I should 
stop to eulogize the pastors, and elders, and deacons, 
Sunday school superintendents, and teachers, and treas- 
urers, the many noble and self-sacrificing women and 
friends, and those also who, though never members of 
our church, took no insignificant part in its affairs, 
whose counsels and means contributed largely to its 
success ; rather with a few exceptions, let me allude 
more particularly to events, and only to those which 
merit special mention. - 



24 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

/ As introductory to this, a few references to some of 
the earliest friends of the church, whose prayers and 
counsels, and moneys and personal labors contributed 
greatly to its founding. 

In the order of time, no individual labored more 
earnestly for the planting of our church, in this city, 
than the Rev. John F. Schermerhorn. The Rev. Mr. 
Schermerhorn was an alumnus of Union College, grad- 
uating in 1809. In the year 18 13, he received licen- 
sure from a Congregational Association ; but for spec- 
ial reasons soon separated from this body and settled 
over the Reformed Church at Middleburgh, N. Y., 
where he remained till 1827; at which time he was 
called to become the secretary of the Board of Mis- 
sions in connection with our own denomination. He 
was a man of liberal culture, unceasing in his activity, 
and of marked ability. r Many churches in our historic 
valley, as well as in the western and southern portions 
of our state and in Canada, humanly speaking, owe 
their origin to his zeal, energy and patience in well 
doing. The reports rendered to General Synod, at 
the period of his connection with the missionary board, 
bear witness to his faithfulness and earnestness in build- 
ing up waste places, and his success also in all that re- 
lates to genuine missionary labor. Such in our own 
community as remember him, recall his name and 
memory with the greatest satisfaction and tenderness. 
In fact, after the completion of the church building, 
the consistory was so impressed with the value of the 
services which he had rendered to the church, that a 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 25 

vote of thanks was unanimously extended to him "for 
his indefatigable exertions in the ereetion of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church in this village." As a further 
expression of their appreciation of his labors, he was 
requested to select and accept a pew, for the free use 
of himself and family, so long as he had his residence 
among us. Mr. Schermerhorn modestly accepted the 
kind offer, replying to the consistory in terms of thank- 
fulness, and imploring anew upon the church and all 
its interests heaven's continued favor and blessing. 

Abraham Varick was another early friend of our 
Zion. Mr. Varick was a nephew of Col. Richard 
Varick of revolutionary memory. Though a lawyer 
by profession, he was engaged also in many important 
commercial enterprises, which required no little thought 
and watchfulness. In all the affairs of the church, he 
manifested a growing interest ; and in every possible 
way contributed to its establishment. At the first 
meeting of the congregation, after an organization had 
been made, he was elected an elder, and remained in 
this honorable position until his withdrawal from the 
city. In fact, what the Rev. Mr. Schermerhorn ac- 
complished for this church as a minister, Mr. Varick 
did as a layman. Not only was he a regular attend- 
ant upon the meetings of the consistory, but he was 
ever devising some plan, by which the infant enterprise 
might increase in usefulness and become strong. Nor 
was it merely advice that he proffered ; his moneys also 
found their way into the treasury of the church ; and 
many a dark cloud disappeared through his benefac- 
c 




26 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

tions. As it was necessary to obtain a loan, in addition 
to the numerous subscriptions, to finish the church 
edifice for proper occupancy, not only did Mr. Varick 
negotiate that loan, but later, through his personal in- 
fluence with the consistory of the Collegiate Church, 
N. Y., he obtained its release ; that corporation paying 
it in full to the treasurer of General Synod, from whom 
it had been borrowed. It amounted to several thous- 
and dollars. Still later, when a debt of six thous- 
and dollars hung over the church, giving it serious em- 
barrassment, he subscribed the munificent sum of three 
thousand dollars towards its liquidation. Indeed, his 
wise counsel largely shaped the polity of the new 
church, and no small part of its financial success was 
indebted to his skill and perseverance. He surrender- 
ed his pew to be resold to meet a debt against the 
treasury. How many friends he interested in our wel- 
fare, whose moneys he secured for its advancement, 
benefactions sorely needed, only eternity will make 
known. His step-son, George W. Clinton, on the 
opening of our edifice for worship, presented it with a 
full service for the communion, a mahogany table, and 
a pulpit Bible, which we are still using, as well as with 
a rich and beautiful set of furniture for the pulpit. 

Charles C. Brodhead deserves mention in this con- 
nection. Few men possessed more varied qualities. He 
was the son of Capt. Brodhead of the British army, 
who was with Gen'l Braddock at the time of his de- 
feat. But though tory in his descent, he was all 
American in his tastes and purposes. By educa- 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 27 

tion he was a surveyor; but he filled also the offices of 
Indian commissioner, sheriff, state commissioner, and 
still later became a merchant. In all these duties he 
was very faithful, and was frequently complimented 
by the state government, for his devotion to the trusts 
which had been committed to him. He experienced 
religion under the influence of a revival that followed' 
the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Finney, and formed 
one of the colony that left the Second Presbyterian 
Church of this city, at the time of our organization. 
In his new relation, he endeavored to be an humble 
and consistent follower of the Saviour — most zealous 
of his honor, and earnest in the interests of his king- 
dom. He was a liberal subscriber towards the build- 
ing of the church, and imitating the example of Mr. 
Varick, when the church became embarrassed, he also 
surrendered the deed for his pew, insisting that it be 
re-sold to add to its finances. Never was he appealed 
to in vain. At times, he personally assumed many of 
the debts of the church, asking to be re-imbursed only 
when an easy provision had been made for their pay- 
ment. He served in the eldership for several years; 
and when he left this position, he was behind them in 
every thing that aimed at the prosperity of the church. 
If one would know his high sense of honor and in- 
flexible integrity, let him read it in these few lines 
quoted from a monograph prepared by Dr. Bagg, at 
present an elder of this church. 

" When, on one occasion, there was pending in one 
of our legislatures a bill, wholly reasonable and just, 



28 Semi- Centennial Year of the 

the enactment of which would be especially beneficial 
to Mr. Brodhead, he was strongly urged to aid its pas- 
sage by the gift of a small douceur to those who 
might be likely to oppose it. To all entreaty he was 
resolute in refusal, and while admitting that he had 
much at stake in the bill, declared that he would not 
give one cent for a bribe. At another time, such was 
his conscientiousness that he parted with his interest 
in the canal packet boats, because the company would 
run their boats on Sunday, and sold his stock that was 
bringing three hundred per cent., and took part in a 
new week day line." The same nobleness of character 
marked his connection with the church. Were the 
many in our communions, to exhibit the same jeal- 
ousy for right and purity, and all that pertains to the 
true growth and enlargement of the church, how much 
more rapidly would it move, and how much greater 
and grander would be her conquests ! 

Nor must I forget to include among the early 
worthies Justus H. Rathbone, another noble spirit 
who came to us from the Second Presbyterian Church 
in this city. He was your first treasurer after the or- 
ganization of the church, and for many years held this 
responsible position. In his accounts he was exact to 
minuteness. An error in his cash of a penny or two, 
would rob him not only of his sleep, but give him 
days of disquiet till found. Many could easily learn 
from him method. Our consistorial records abound 
in his wise recommendations to lighten the financial 
struggles of the church, and give it its true position f. 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 29 

and character. And what he suggested, he was the 
first to engage in, and to carry forward to an immedi- 
ate result. If one plan failed to secure certain ends, 
another was immediately devised, and its execution 
entered upon. He was the founder of the Board of 
Finance, so long connected with this church, whose 
labors were so salutary. He was for many years also 
the counsellor for the church, and such was the confi- 
dence which the consistory reposed in him, that they 
authorized him to execute in his own name, and on 
their behalf all the temporary leases of the church. 
In 1835, he was elected elder, and continued to dis- 
charge the duties of this office, as well as treasurer, 
till his removal from the city, in 185 1. Early in his 
relations as treasurer, a vote of thanks was given him 
by the consistory, " for the able, clear and satisfactory 
manner in which he discharged the duties of his office;" 
an honor most worthily bestowed, and which every 
subsequent year, in his relations to the church, received 
constant confirmation. 

Easily might I increase this list of the fast and first 
friends of our beloved Zion, who so willingly and lib- 
erally gave their prayers, and time, and means, and en- 
ergies to its establishment. There is George M. 
Weaver, Jr., known for so many years among us as 
" Father Weaver;" elected an elder of this church at 
the first meeting of its members, and who served it 
most faithfully in this capacity till prevented by the 
weight of years; and who, had he been spared three 
more summers might have been with us to-day, to 



30 Semi- Centennial Year of the 

deepen and prolong our congratulations. There are 
also Richard Vaughan, Elizur Goodrich, William 
Clarke, Peter G. Steele, Rufus Northway, all of whom 
found pleasure in laboring for the church welfare, and 
in solving and lightening its struggles; and whose de- 
votion to its best interests must always be considered, 
when we would enquire for its early friends. Did 
time permit, I would gladly speak of them, for they 
merit the profound thanks of all the members of this 
church and congregation; nor should their names ever 
be forgotten, or their deeds cease to be recalled. But 
I cannot. 

One other name however, I must not fail to men- 
tion. I have now in mind Mrs. Maria Miller, the es- 
teemed wife of the late Hon. Morris S. Miller, of this 
city. If Eve passed the tempting fruit to the willing 
Adam, let it.be remembered that a woman 4 4 cast her 
all into the treasury;" that it was a woman who broke 
"the box of most precious ointment;" that it was a 
woman who 41 was the first at the sepulchre;" and that 
it was a woman who proclaimed to the sleeping world 
the joyful tidings 44 The Lord is risen, the Lord is risen." 
Nor does a vine cling closer to the oak than the heart 
of a woman to the church, when it has once become 
centered upon it. 

Mrs. Miller was received by letter, April 13, 183 1, 
from the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in Al- 
bany. She had however identified herself with its 
purposes from its very beginning. Our consistorial 
minutes often allude to her benefactions; and a reso- 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 3 t 

lution of thanks records the estimation which the 
church put upon her services. To her the church was 
largely indebted for the site upon which it formerly 
stood; she giving towards the same the royal sum of 
twelve hundred and fifty dollars. When the congrega- 
tion voted her, as expressive of its appreciation of her 
liberality, pew stock to the amount of her gift, not 
only did she refuse to accept the same, but desired 
that it be re-sold for the general benefit of the society; 
a request which the consistory reluctantly acceded to. 
The communion cloths and napkins, so long used by 
the church, were the products of her thoughtfulness 
and bounty. She was largely instrumental in found- 
ing the Dorcas Society, and in the establishment of 
cottage prayer meetings. She was a frequent visitor 
among the poor, and the sick; and many a naked body 
has been clothed, and an hungered one fed, and the 
homeless cared for, through her immediate agency. 
Indeed, so continued were her kindnesses and devotion 
to the welfare of the church, that the consistory pre- 
sented her with two pews, "to be used by her and her 
heirs, till she shall give notice to the treasurer that the 
same are no longer needed." " She remained to the 
last a lady of the old school, simple in her manners, 
grave and dignified in her deportment. To a quiet 
resolution, and energy of mind that fitted her for try- 
ing and difficult occasions, she added," says her pastor, 
Rev. Dr. Wiley, " a grace and gentleness of female 
propriety, that were never for a single instant forgot- 
ten, and that enabled her to command the respect of 



32 



Semi-Centennial Year of the 



those around her, without at the same time repelling 
their affections." With these brief and imperfect ref- 
erences to some of the founders of our church, let me 
turn to its pastors; and as 1 speak of them, let me give 
expression also to such incidents in their relations to 
us, as deserve place among our annals. 

As we have already stated, the Rev. George W. 
Bethune, D. D., was the first pastor of this church. 
What the Reverends Messrs. Labagh and Schermer- 
horn sowed, Dr. Bethune reaped. When Dr. Bethune 
commenced his labors the membership of the church 
numbered fifty-one ; forty-five of whom had united 
with it by letters of dismission and recommendation. 
The following communion in January, fifteen joined 
by letter, and six by confession ; at the next season 
fourteen were added by letter, and eighteen by confes- 
sion. 

It is very delightful to turn to the accounts of this 
last, and a few later communions, not merely to read 
of the rich fruit that was now beino- crathered, but to 
learn also the deep thankfulness and joy with which 
these tokens of the divine presence were received. 
Gratitude was heard from every lip, and cheer filled 
every heart. Our fathers knew that the Lord was 
the answerer as well as the hearer of prayer, and that 
at no time had He been indifferent to their appeals. 
" The Lord was with His people, and a day long to be 
remembered with thanksgiving by the little flock of 
His chosen people," — thus read the minutes of Dr. 
Bethune's first ministrations as pastor. Later, when 



Reformed Church, Uttca, N. Y. 33 

the congregation had been scattered by the appearance 
in this city of the cholera, on reassembling to observe 
the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, we meet with such 
expressions as these: "The Lord reigneth, therefore 
we have reason to rejoice, that though our little flock 
has been scattered for some weeKS by pestilence, still, 
the banner of mercy was over us ; and in the midst 
of the deserved judgment, the Lord remembered us 
and heard our cry. We sat down together to-day un- 
der a feeling of the Divine Presence, the shadow of the 
cross was our delight, and the fruit of Christ's death 
was suited to our tastes." Again : " the holy ordinance 
of the Supper was attended to-day with the utmost 
solemnity. The Divine Presence was felt in the rich 
consolations of His grace, and by many, tears of grat- 
itude were mixed with the cup of thanksgiving." We 
may here ask, " what is the cause that the former days 
were better than these ? " Such were the feelings and 
fervor of the founders of this church, and one of the 
many examples which they have left for our instruc- 
tion. 

If the admission of some twenty-nine individuals 
simultaneously to a church, on confession of their faith 
in Christ, constitutes a "revival," the only time in 
our history, when we can be said to have been so 
blessed, was in the spring and summer of 1831; as 
never since that period has the church added in a year 
such a number to its membership. Does some one 
ask for the human agencies that were employed to se- 
cure the outpouring of the Spirit of God ? Find them 



34 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

in the prayerfulness, the continued prayerfulness and 
abounding faith, that God would redeem His promises ; 
and in an earnest, conscientious devotion to everything 
that related to the interests of the church. As we 
review our history at this period, we meet with the 
establishment and maintenance of daily prayer meet- 
ings in private homes, as well as in the church ; with 
christians giving up the attractions of the world for 
Christ, and most zealous and watchful, lest in some way 
they might bring dishonor upon His name ; and all 
co-laboring with the pastor, in his efforts to extend 
"pure and undefined religion" in the world. For a 
member of a church to attend a place of public amuse- 
ment, or to have an entertainment at his home, when 
services had been appointed in the church, would have 
subjected him to discipline. Observe also some of 
the sentences, that appear in the discourse which 
Dr. Bethune preached as his inaugural ; from the 
text taken from St. Paul's first Epistle to the Cor- 
inthians, the second chapter, and second verse : " For 
I determined not to know anything among you, save 
Jesus Christ, and Him crucified ; " from which he 
derived as his subject, " the Cross of Christ, the only 
theme of the preacher of Christ." " Indeed my be- 
loved friends, the cross of Christ shall be my welcome 
and continued theme ; and whether the vigorous de- 
mands of the violated law be thundered, or the sweet 
accents of forgiving love be whispered in your ears, 
the object will be to bring you weeping yet thankful, 
humble yet confident to the feet of the crucified Hope 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 35 

of Israel. As the herald of His cross, the preacher of 
His gospel, the messenger of His love, never will your 
pastor descend from the sacred elevation, until he hath 
pointed it out as the rest of the weary, the refuge of 
the condemned, and the shelter of the lost." The 
number uniting with the church, during the ministry 
of Dr. Bethune, was by letter seventy, and by confes- 
sion seven. 

In October, 1832, the consistory of the church was 
enlarged by the addition of an elder and a deacon. 
Two years later, in January 1834, the internal manage- 
ment of the church experienced a change, by entrusting 
for the future all its financial interests, to the care of 
a finance committee. As this created a new board in 
the church, and was fraught with important results, 
and a responsibility which some were loath to assume, 
let me give the names of those who were willing to be 
connected with such a board, and who, as long as they 
were associated with it, gave it great attention : Sam- 
uel D. Dakin, Henry White, Silas D. Childs, and John 
G. Floyd. 

Unhappily, the ministry of Dr. Bethune was brief 
among us. On the 14th of June, 1834, he received a 
call to the First Reformed Dutch Church of Philadel- 
phia, which he concluded to accept, so soon as the 
Classis would give him the necessary dismissal. This 
was soon granted ; for on the 29th of June, he deliver- 
ed his farewell sermon to his sad and perplexed people, 
after which he made full arrangements to enter upon 
his new field. Tracing the history of the first pastor 



36 Semi- Centennial Year of the 

of this church a little further, let me say : Dr. Bethune 
was born in the city of New York, March 18, 1805, 
graduated from Dickinson College, Penn., in 1823 ; 
from Princeton Seminary in 1826 ; for one year was a 
missionary among the colored people and sailors, at 
Savannah, Ga.; was settled at Rhinebeck 1827-30; 
pastor in this city 1831-34 ; over the First Reformed 
Church, Philadelphia, 1834-36; the Third Reformed 
Church in the same city, 1837-49; in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
1850-59; New York City, as pastor of the Twenty- 
First St. Reformed Church, 1859-62, his last official 
relation. Shortly after resigning this charge he went 
to Europe, where he died of apoplexy, Sunday 
evening, April 27th, 1862, in the city of Florence, 
Italy. On the morning of this same day, he preached 
in the American Chapel, in this same city, a discourse 
from the 9th chapter of the gospel according to St. 
Matthew, and the second verse: "And behold they 
brought unto Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a 
bed ; and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of 
the palsy, son, be of good cheer ; thy sins be forgiven 
thee." Recalling the time and the circumstances of 
his death, how appropriate the words which appear on 
the tablet which adorns the walls of the Third Reform- 
ed Church, Philadelphia, where, for so many years, he 
successfully labored : 

HE REJOICED TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. 

AFTER HIS SERMON 
ON THE LORD'S DAY, APRIL 2g T H, 1862, 
GOD TOOK HIM. 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 37 

It does not come within my purpose to pronounce 
a eulogy upon this servant of Christ, so richly and 
bountifully gifted by God, as his memory is yet fra- 
grant among some of you, and his words your holiest 
and best treasures. I knew him as a friend, and as a 
member of our ministerial club in the city of New 
York. You knew him as a teacher, comforter, com- 
panion and pastor. This marble tablet on my left, se- 
cured through the self-denying labors of the sainted 
Mrs. Mary Dean, and whose inscription is from the 
graceful pen of her son, the Rev. Anson J. Upson, D.D., 
and which every Sabbath greets you, evidences that you 
knew him well; and knew him to love and honor him. 
As I have never read to you its inscription, let it be 
our united testimony this day to his worth, his talents, 
his piety, his memory: 

IN MEMORY 

of the 

REV. GEORGE W. BETHUNE, D. D., 

THE FIRST MINISTER OF THIS CHURCH, 
From November, 1830, to June, 1834. 

Born in New York, March 1805, 
Died in Florence, Italy, April 1862: 

AN ELOQUENT ORATOR, A CLASSICAL SCHOLAR, 
A GRACEFUL POET, AN ACCOMPLISHED GENTLEMAN, 
IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD, 
HE SPOKE BOLDLY IN THE NAME OF 
THE LORD JESUS. 

On the withdrawal of the Rev. Dr. Bethune, a call 
was made upon the Rev. Henry Mandeville, D.D., 



38 Semi- Centennial Year of the 

then settled in the village of Geneva, this state, to ac- 
cept the pastorate. Dr. Mandeville, after some hesi- 
tancy, concluded to entertain the invitation, and on 
the 17th of August, 1834, entered upon his duties; 
his installation taking place on the 1 2th of October. 
His first discourse, from the Epistle to the Ephesians, 
6th chapter and part of the 20th verse: " For which I 
am an ambassador in bonds," was at once the an- 
nouncement of his purpose, and the key to his subse- 
quent ministrations. Dr. Bethune could have had no 
more worthy successor; nor could the congregation 
have made a wiser choice to forward and develop its 
interests. He knew some of the hidden forces that 
had entered into the necessity for a church of our or- 
der in this community, and he knew likewise how to 
direct and ripen them. He found efficient co-workers 
in every member of his consistory. When he came 
among us the officers of the church were : elders, 
George M. Weaver, William Pepper and William 
Clarke; deacons, Peter G. Steele, John Whiffen and 
Rufus Northway. In October, 1835, this number 
was increased by the election of Justus H. Rathbone 
to the eldership, and Job Parker to the office of deacon. 

At this period in our history, an effort was made to 
have the missionary society of our denomination con- 
tribute annually, for our support, the sum of three 
hundred dollars till such time, as the church felt it 
could do without it. For five years we received such 
appropriation, a fact we should never forget; especial- 
ly when new enterprises, having the extension of 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 39 

Christ's kingdom in view, are brought to our attention, 
desiring merely temporary aid. In those days the 
labors of Mr. Varick were very acceptable; as to 
meet the difficulties of the hour, he succeeded in ob- 
taining a gift of four thousand dollars from the Col- 
legiate Consistory, N. Y., to cancel a loan, which Gen- 
eral Synod held against our church for the same 
amount. George W. Clinton, through whom an or- 
gan had been secured to the church, with his wonted 
liberality, gave the church the uncollected sum due 
him, amounting to several hundred dollars. 

After, however, a little more than six years of labor 
in this field, the Rev. Dr. Mandeville, deeming his 
salary inadequate to his support, resigned. He pre- 
sented his resignation January 20th, 1841; and at a 
subsequent meeting of Classis, the pastoral relation was 
dissolved. He removed from this city, to accept the 
chair of Moral Philosophy and Rhetoric in Hamilton 
College, Clinton, N. Y. Subsequently he was settled 
over the Government Street Presbyterian Church, 
Mobile, Alabama, where he remained till the year 1858, 
when he died. Under his ministry one hundred and 
twelve were admitted to the church ; fifty-four uniting 
by letter, and fifty-eight upon confession of faith : the 
largest number joining at the communion service, 
April 13, 1835, when fourteen were admitted by pro- 
fession. The tablet to my right, presented by Mrs. 
Chauncey Palmer, written by my immediate predeces- 
sor, is a merited as it is an affectionate tribute to his 
memory : 



4-0 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

IN MEMORY 

of the 

REV. HENRY M ANDEV1LLE, D. D. 

THE SECOND MINISTER OF THIS CHURCH, 

Born in Kinderhook, N. Y., March 4, 1804. 
Died in Mobile, Alabama, Oct. 2, 1868, 

A LEARNED DIVINE, 
AN INSTRUCTIVE PREACHER, SKILLFUL OF SPEECH, 
WITH STRONG NATURAL POWERS, 
AND MUCH FRUIT OF VARIOUS READING, 
HE ADORNED THE PROFESSORIAL OFFICE, 
BUT BEST LOVED THE MINISTRY OF JESUS. 

The Rev. John P. Knox, of Nassau, N. Y., was 
now invited to become your pastor. Mr. Knox ac- 
cepted the call, and began his labors July 1st, 1841, his 
installation occurring October 6, 1841. Mr. Knox 
made great exertions to increase the efficiency of the 
church, and to develop its strength and power. He 
felt more especially the worldliness which had crept 
into it, and the seeming indifference with which some 
estimated the responsibilities devolving upon them. 
He knew its spirituality was not what it should be, 
nor had it reached a point easily within grasp. In the 
classical report of this year, I meet with these state- 
ments : "The spiritual drought under which we have 
too long suffered, and which has prevailed throughout 
our city, has continued. Sinners are not converted, 
the graces of christians are languishing, and few feel 
that interest in spiritual things, which their high im- 
portance demands. We greatly need the outpouring 
of the Spirit from on high." At his suggestion, a gen- 



Reformed Church, (Jtica, N. Y. 



4i 



eral meeting of the church and congregation was call- 
ed, for an interchange of views bearing upon its want 
of zeal in all spiritual affairs; but from causes which 
do not appear, there were not those advances which 
Mr. Knox had a right to expect, and which he hoped 
would at once be suggested. Accordingly, after a res- 
idence among us of two years and eight months, 
another field opening, Mr. Knox resigned his charge 
to take effect March 20th, 1844. Though his ministry 
was short, fifty united with the church by letter, most- 
ly coming from the First Presbyterian Church in this 
city,, and seven by confession. It was during the min- 
istry of Mr. Knox that the first efforts were made to- 
wards securing a different location for the church; and 
the erection of one more in harmony with its needs. 
As the times however did not favor such a purpose, 
it was thought best that the subject be indefinitely 
postponed. 

From a tabular statement, prepared by Mr. Knox 
at the close of his ministry among you, it appears that 
the active membership of the church numbered one 
hundred and ninety-seven. 

The Rev. Charles Wiley, D.D., was called to the 
pastorate of this church, December, 23, 1844. Dr. 
Wiley was a graduate of Columbia and Princeton 
Colleges, and of Auburn Theological Seminary. He 
was ordained to the Congregational ministry, and was 
first settled over the Edwards' Church in Northampton, 
Mass., where he remained for about eight years. 
From this charge he came to this city; he was installed 

e /?% ^ m 



42 Sem i- Cen tenn ia I Yea r of the 

over this church June 27th, 1845. Later, he went 
to Wisconsin and became president of the Milwaukee 
University; he soon, however, returned to this state 
and accepted the charge of the Reformed Church, at 
Geneva; from this city he went to reside in East Or- 
ange, New Jersey, where he remained till his death, 
which took place so recently as December, 1878. 

During the ministry of Dr. Wiley the fire occurred, 
which destroyed the First Presbyterian Church in this 
city; it happened on the night of the 12th of January, 
1 85 1. Prompted by that sympathy, which I am glad 
to say our church has ever been willing to extend, the 
consistory immediately assembled, and among other 
resolutions unanimously passed the following: " That 
we cheerfully offer to the congregation of the First 
Presbyterian Church such facilities as it may be in our 
power, to alleviate their present inconvenience; cordially 
tendering to them the use of our own church edifice, 
either in common with us in the morning and afternoon 
of the Sabbath, or for their separate accommodation 
on the evening of the same." 

Late this same year, the effort was repeated to see 
what could be done to place the church on a basis, 
which, while tending to widen its influence, would at 
the same time intensify its spirituality. In harmony 
therefore with this purpose, numerous committees were 
appointed and plans proposed, and some of them put 
into immediate execution. Among other things, the 
congregation was systematically visited, extra meetings 
were held, and a general promise made that all would 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 43 

be more regular in their attendance at the week-day 
services, as well as those on the Sabbath. If acces- 
sions are the only reliable evidences of the wisdom 
and success of unusual effort, the condition of the 
church remained unchanged. For we read of no in- 
gatherings beyond such as might be secured from the 
use of the ordinary methods, or as are the natural 
fruit of patient and prayerful ways. The subsequent 
year, November 22nd, 1853, Dr. Wiley thought best 
to resign his connection with the church, to take effect 
with the approval of Classis, on the first day of May, 
1854. What prompted this step may, in a measure, 
be gathered from a resolution, which the consistory 
adopted as expressive of their feelings at his leaving. 
As sundering pastoral ties is an event of no mean sig- 
nificance, let me give you a few lines of the resolution: 
" We cannot forego the opportunity of expressing our 
united and unqualified love for our pastor; our appre- 
ciation of those high intellectual attainments which 
have elevated the character of his pulpit ministrations, 
so far above what we have been accustomed to regard 
as the ordinary standard; and above all would we bear 
our cordial and united testimony to his earnest, though 
we regret to say, too often unaided efforts, for the 
growth of the church, and the salvation of souls." 
During the pastorate of Dr. W'iley, covering nearly 
nine years, forty-seven connected themselves with this 
church; thirty by letter, and seventeen by profession. 

The Rev. Thomas C. Strong, D. D., of Newtown, 
Long Island, was invited to succeed the Rev. Dr. 



44 Scmi-Ccntcnnial Year of the 

Wiley, but as he declined an invitation was extended 
on the 28th of November, 1854, to Rev. George H. 
Fisher, D. D., of New York. Dr. Fisher accepted, 
beginning his ministrations January 1st, 1855 ; though 
he was not installed till the last Tuesday in May. 

During the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Fisher, I can- 
not learn that anything unusual revealed itself, bearing 
either upon the inner or outer growth of the church. 
He, however, revised its records, and proposed meas- 
ures by which in the future they might be made more 
reliable. During his ministry, in June, 1 S56, the General 
Synod held in our church its fiftieth session. With 
the hope of imparting a new life to the church, the 
effort was revived to attempt rebuilding ; but, after a 
full examination of this question, it was deemed, at 
least for the present, imprudent to carry forward any 
such purpose ; the more so as it was thought to neces- 
sitate fundamental changes, and an outlav also which 
could not be properly met. Dr. Fisher labored praver- 
fully and zealously for the interests of our denomina- 
tion, as well as for our own individual church. On 
the 13th of July, 1859, ne requested the consistory to 
unite with him in an application to Classis, for a dis- 
solution of the official relations existing between them. 
After some delay his wish was granted ; in the mean- 
time he regularlv occupied the pulpit. He was dis- 
missed to the Classis of Bergen, Xew Jersev, in March, 
i860. 

When Dr. Fisher was the pastor of the Reformed 
Church in Broome St., New York, I often had the 



Reformed Church, Utiea, N. Y. 45 

pleasure of hearing - him preach, though I had but little 
social acquaintance with him. As I recall him, I must 
make mention of his great earnestness and faithful- 
ness as a preacher, the fervor of his prayers, and the 
dignified manner in which he discharged all his public 
duties. He was remarkably broad in his sympathies, 
very kind and affectionate towards the sorrowful, and 
a son of consolation among the afflicted. He was 
unable to assume any public duty, the last two years 
of his life, by reason of protracted illness. He fell 
asleep at Hackensack, on the 23d of November, 1874, 
in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and in the forty- 
seventh of his ministry. During his pastorate among 
us, fifty-two were received into the church ; thirty-two 
by letter, twenty by profession. 

The Rev. Charles E. Knox, D.D., was invited to be- 
come the pastor of this church April 1 7th, i860; at this 
time Mr. Knox was a tutor at Hamilton College, 
Clinton, N. Y. Owing to the unsettled condition of 
the church, Mr. Knox proposed that his installation be 
deferred to such a period, as would indicate a certain 
degree of permanence. On assuming charge, Dr. 
Knox began urging the immediate carrying out of 
such measures as would result in securing a new church. 
It was proposed that a site be at once obtained for the 
purpose of building on it a chapel, till time would 
warrant the erection of a church ; to meet the outlay, 
for present purposes, that five thousand five hundred 
dollars be raised by subscription ; and when the 
chapel should be completed, the old church be sold, 



46 



Semi-Centennial Year of the 



the proceeds thereof to constitute a fund, ultimately 
to be used in erecting the contemplated new structure. 
Indeed, the effort went so far as to hire for a year 
Washington Hall, anticipating the demolition of the 
old building; to ascertain the cost of a new church ; 
and the appointment of a committee to secure, if pos- 
sible, fifteen thousand out of twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars, which, it was felt, would be required, to bring all 
the proposed plans to perfection. This was in March, 
1 86 1. As the war of the rebellion broke out the fol- 
lowing month, and it was believed the condition of 
our national affairs would remain unsettled for some 
time, and many demands would be made upon the 
liberality of the people, the plan for building a new 
church was deferred till more peaceful and brighter 
days. Dr. Knox sympathized with all in the dark 
clouds that began to appear in the horizon, and feeling 
that the measures proposed could not be entertained, 
to free the church from all embarrassment, on the 4th of 
August, 1862, he resigned. During his brief pastorate 
six united with the church by profession, and four by 
letter. 

The seventh' pastor of this church was the Rev. 
Ashbel G. Vermilye, D.D., at the time of his invitation 
pastor of the Congregational Church, Newburyport, 
Mass. His call was dated March 14, 1863. On the 
occasion of his installation, just two months later, the 
Rev. Thomas Vermilye, D. D., of New York, preached 
the sermon, the Rev James R. Talmage delivered the 
charge to the pastor, and the Rev. Joachim Elmendorf, 
D. D., addressed the people. 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 47 

Early in February the next year, the old effort was 
revived, having as its end the erection of a new church. 
The matter was pushed forward with such earnestness 
that, on the 27th of the same month, a committee was 
appointed to procure an eligible site ; they reported 
that they had selected the lot on the corner of Hopper 
and King streets. Cotemporaneous_ with this move- 
ment a subscription list was started, with the understand- 
ing that the sums subscribed were to be binding only 
when twenty-five thousand dollars should be pledged. 
At the same time, a building committee was appoint- 
ed ; consisting of Silas D. Childs, George C. Tallman, 
Addison C. Miller, Thomas H. Wood and Dr. John 
P. Gray ; later it was increased by the addition of Ed- 
ward S. Brayton and Thomas R. Walker. Though 
a site had been secured, yet when the attention of 
the committee had been called to the desirableness of 
what was known as the " Cooper lot," it was thought 
best before active operations should be begun to 
submit the choice of the two sites, now before them, 
to the decision of the church and congregation. After 
a full discussion of the question, it was resolved that 
the property on the corner of Hopper and King streets 
be sold, and the "Cooper lot" sixty feet on Genesee 
St., and one hundred and fifty feet on Cornelia St. be 
purchased, at the offered price of five thousand eight 
hundred dollars. That no subscriber might feel 
wronged by this change in the proposed locality of 
the church, the privilege was accorded to every one 
of withdrawing his subscription, made in view of the 



48 



Semi- Centennial Year of the 



first purchase ; a liberty which no one accepted. On 
September 19th, 1866, the site upon which our build- 
ing now stands was declared to be the chosen one ; and 
on the 2 2d of the same month, the lots first purchased 
were sold to the Baptist society for the sum paid, three 
thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars. By the 1 5th 
of December, thirty per cent, of the subscription had 
been called for; it was decided also that in the follow- 
ing April, the work of building be so far proceeded 
with, as to lay proper foundations. In the meantime, 
the old church lots and buildings were sold for nine 
thousand five hundred dollars, and a room was hired in 
the City Hall, for regular Sabbath worship. The last 
services in the old church, previous to its demolition, 
were held October 14, 1866. They consisted of a me- 
morial sermon, by the pastor, from the 48th Psalm, 9th 
verse : "We have thought of Thy loving kindness O 
God, in the midst of Thy temple ;" and in the afternoon 
of addresses by the Rev. Dr. Upson, Rev. Dr. Samuel 
W. Fisher, Hon. William J. Bacon, and John F. Sey- 
mour, Esq., with the reading of a paper by Elder 
George F. Weaver. 

These addresses chiefly referred to the history of the 
church, its struggles and its future prospects, its for- 
mer pastors, and to some of the more prominent indi- 
viduals who, in its early life, had been closely identified 
with it : as Abraham Yarick, Charles C. Brodhead, 
Rufus Northway, William Clarke, Justus H. Rath- 
bone, Joseph Kirkland, Joshua A. Spencer, P. Shel- 
don Root, Thomas E. Clark, Charles A. Mann, 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 



49 



Judges Savage and Gridley, Dr. Brigham, William 
Walcott, Samuel Stocking, Kellogg Hurlburt, Silas 
D. Childs, Alfred Churchill, George S. Dana, and 
others; all of whom had contributed largely to the 
position and influence which the church, from the 
hour of its organization, had exercised in this com- 
munity. The consistorial minutes speak of it as a 
service, never to be forgotten by those who were per- 
mitted to attend; and as calculated to warm all hearts 
with thankfulness to the great Head of the Church, for 
his goodness in the past; and to unite the members of 
the church and congregation more firmly in zeal for 
its future welfare. The services closed by singing, to 
the tune of Millington, the old familiar hymn : 

"Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah." 

October 29th, 1866, Mr. Silas D. Childs gave five 
thousand dollars to the church, the interest of which was 
to be used towards furnishing the church with music. 

As the building of the present edifice had begun, 
and certain obligations had to be met, an effort was 
made to obtain aid from the Collegiate church in the 
city of New York, under as favorable terms as possi- 
ble. The application resulted in securing a loan of 
fourteen hundred dollars, without interest, so long as 
the church remained in the denomination; but in case 
it ceased its connection with General Synod, the full 
amount with interest was to be paid. The conditions 
were accepted with the proviso that, an additional mort- 
gage of ten thousand dollars be allowed to precede the 
mortgage of fourteen hundred. In November of this 

F 



50 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

same year, according to the provision of the act of 
April 1835, a Board of Trustees was elected, to which 
a month later all the temporalities of the church were 
committed. The following constituted the board: 
J. V. P. Gardner, Daniel Crouse, Edward S. Brayton, 
Theodore P. Ballou, Addison C. Miller, Publius V. 
Rogers, Stephen Sicard, Henry H. Fish, and Francis 
Eysaman. 

The church building was now advancing rapidly to- 
wards completion. Tuesday, the 8th of September, 
was appointed for its opening and dedication. It was 
a day on which the beauties of nature fully harmon- 
ized with the services now in anticipation. The exer- 
cises were held in the afternoon, and were opened 
with prayer by the pastor; after which he presented a 
brief history of the experiences through which they 
had just passed; and, as an incentive to still greater 
exertion, called upon all to witness the magnificent 
return that had crowned their labors. Addresses fol- 
lowed by the Rev. Dr. Upson, Rev. Dr. John P. 
Knox, and the Rev. Dr. Wiley. The music was ren- 
dered under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Sieboth. In 
the evening the church was solemnly dedicated to the 
worship of Almighty God. After an anthem by the 
Mendelssohn Club, prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. 
S. W. Fisher, after which the Club again sang, when 
the dedicatory sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. 
Thomas Vermilve, from the 4th verse of the 65th Psalm: 
" We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, 
even of Thy holy temple;" the subject being the charac- 



Reformed Church, Uttca, N. Y. 5 1 

ter and the requirements of the temple and worship in 
the time of David. The dedicatory prayer was then 
offered by the pastor; after which the church was de- 
clared to be consecrated for the glory and to the wor- 
ship of Jehovah. The officers of the church, at this 
period of its history, were William J. Bacon, Edward 
S. Bray ton, David Timerman and Thomas H. Wood, 
Elders; and Moses M. Bagg, G. Clarence Churchill, 
Corden Hackett and George Weaver, deacons; Ed- 
ward S. Brayton, superintendent of the Sunday school, 
Dr. Joseph Sieboth organist, and G. Clarence Church- 
ill treasurer. 

I feel that I need say nothing in reference to the 
building now put up, which so many gladly entered, 
and which for over eleven years has been our church 
home. Its conveniences, beauty, and style are as well 
known to you as to me. I leave then this topic to 
insert here such facts, as should form a part of our 
history, and which merit preservation. Its architect 
was George F. Meacham of Boston. The estimated 
cost of the mason work was fifteen thousand four 
hundred and seventeen dollars and twenty-nine cents; 
of lumber and carpentry, twenty thousand eight hun- 
dred and nineteen dollars and seventy cents; glazing, 
plumbing, etc., four thousand one hundred . dollars; 
or an aggregate of forty thousand three hundred and 
thirty-six dollars and ninety-nine cents; which, with 
the site, increased this sum to the amount of forty-six 
thousand two hundred and sixteen dollars. Later, 
A. J. Metcalf took the carpenter work and painting for 



52 



Semi-Centennial Year of the 



twenty-two thousand five hundred and eighty dollars. 
To this amount there is to be added fifteen hundred 
and seventeen dollars for frescoing; sixteen hundred and 
eighty-nine dollars for the furnaces; three thousand six 
hundred dollars for the organ; which, with gas fixtures, 
hardware, lightning rods, sunlights, stained windows, 
upholstering and other necessary appurtenances to the 
edifice, made the entire cost of the church a little over 
sixty-four thousand dollars. The organ was built by 
John E. Marklove of this city, and paid for by moneys 
secured by the ladies. The foundation of the church 
was laid, and the stone work carried up above the 
ground, in the fall of 1865. June 26th, 1866, the 
foundation walls were finished, and the brick work com- 
menced; and in November, the mason work on the 
Genesee street front was all completed except the 
tower. The first services were held in the Sunday 
school room December 15th, 1867; in the lecture room 
April 19th, 1868, and in the church proper May 3rd, 
1868. It is proper I should here add that the beau- 
tiful marble font, which for so many years has adorned 
our aisle, was the gift of Mrs. Daniel Crouse. Our 
silver communion service was presented through the 
labors of Mrs. Mary Dean. The pulpit furniture in 
the lecture room was the gift of Mrs. A. G. Yermilye. 
The bell was given by Jonathan R. Warner; and the 
seats in the lecture room, as well as the rostrum in 
the Sunday school room, with the lamps and brackets, 
were brought from the old church. 

In the year 187 1, Dr. Yermilye having received a 
call from the First Reformed Church in Schenectady, 




NEW CHURCH * GENESEE STREET. 



Reformed Church, Utiea, N. Y. 53 

sent his resignation to the consistory, to take effect 
July 3 1 st. During his ministry among you, the church 
was strengthened by the addition of eighty-nine mem- 
bers; forty-nine uniting by letter, the remainder by 
confession. 

Your present pastor received an invitation to settle 
among you, October, 1871, while pastor of the Sec- 
ond Reformed Church, Philadelphia, Penn. He was 
duly installed on the evening of November 16th, 1871; 
the Rev. Peter Stryker, D.D., of Rome, preaching the 
sermon, from second Samuel, third chapter, first verse; 
the Rev. Alonzo P. Peeke delivering the charge to the 
pastor; the Rev. J. Henry Enders addressed the peo- 
ple; the Rev. Martin L. Berger presiding and reading 
the form. As my ministry among you is so well 
known, and as my motive on this occasion is merely to 
weave together some of the incidents in our past history 
— to give them form and permanence — it is not neces- 
sary that I should say anything concerning the last few 
years beyond this. Since I have come among you the 
entire indebtedness of the church has been paid, and the 
property of the congregation has been increased by the 
purchase of a parsonage desirably located, paid for large- 
ly by moneys secured by the ladies of the church. Also, 
in the year 1873, Nicholas Vedder, a former officer in 
this church, contributed the munificent sum of ten 
thousand dollars for the founding of a Lectureship on 
Modern Infidelity, in our Theological Seminary at 
New Brunswick. As I have alluded, however, to our 
church additions, under the pastorates of my honored 



54 Semi- Centennial Year of the 

predecessors, let me then say that thus far in my min- 
istry among you, one hundred and two have united 
with us; sixty-one on profession of their faith in Christ, 
and forty-one by certificate. 

I might very easily enlarge this history, by adding 
to it the rise and history of our Sunday school, which 
was established at the close of the first services, after 
occupying the old church on Broad street; by speak- 
ing also of the various Ladies' societies so long con- 
nected with us, their mission, their work, their fruit; 
give an account likewise of our Sewing school; record 
our gifts for the support and extension of Foreign and 
Domestic Missions, and the many other christian be- 
nevolent organizations; a history of which we need 
never feel ashamed; but, lest we might be charged with 
boasting, I shall leave all this unsaid, well knowing, 
however, that our record is written above. 

Such, my dear friends, is the barest outline of our 
history during the last half century. Our unwritten 
history only God knows. Reflections, growing out of 
the past, will afford me a theme for some subsequent 
occasion. There is a question, however, at this point, 
which comes home to us with no mean force, and 
which also we should be willing to face. In brief, it 
is, why have we not made greater progress; or why have 
we allowed other denominations to become strength- 
ened at our expense ? I have many replies: but let 
me give only one. In my judgment, as our church is 
a liturgical church, and hence includes within its form 
and doctrine much that has given strength to other 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 55 

denominations, which have grown up at our side, in 
departing from our distinctive features, we have sur- 
rendered our personality. Had we never abandoned 
the use of our comprehensive and historic liturgy, and 
the numerous forms connected with the faith of our 
fathers, and had we been loyal to our traditions, not 
only would we have grown more rapidly, but, as we 
possess much that has given to Episcopacy its success, 
and all that furnishes Presbyterianism with its strength, 
easily might we have secured what we have knowingly 
lost. In dropping our liturgy, and in failing to live 
up squarely to our standards, our advance has been 
checked, and by this neglect our church has become 
less popular, less efficient and less prosperous. When 
we, as a denomination, omitted using our grand liturgy 
in its fullness, we became in reality, Presbyterians. 
Hence, the anomalous position which we occupy at 
this hour as a denomination, as well as an individual 
church is, that we are liturgical in theory, but anti- 
liturgical in practice; or, in theory we have much of 
Episcopacy and the attractions of its worship; whereas 
in practice, in doctrine and in government, we are Pres- 
byterians. With two powerful and ever growing de- 
nominations therefore at our very side, each emphasiz- 
ing its special features, it is not difficult to see that so 
far as another church, embracing the constituent ele- 
ments of both, refuses to give prominence to these 
same factors, other things being equal, to the extent of 
their growth must the church which sets them aside 
become weaker and weaker. This has been no insig- 



56 Semi-Centennial Year of the 

nificant cause which has prevented us from going for- 
ward conquering and to conquer. Am I asked how 
are we to recover our lost vantage ? So soon as we 
return to our distinctive faith, and to all the customs and 
observances which appertain to our distinctive faith; 
and having adapted them to the wants of the age, give 
them an emphasis worthy their origin; so soon shall 
we again possess a certain personality, and occupy the 
special field which Providence allotted us, when we were 
permitted to inscribe on our banner — the Reformed 
Church. There is a magnificent future before us, but 
not till we become loyal, intensely loyal to our doc- 
trines and traditions can we enter upon its glories. 

In the name of the Pastors who have preceded me, 
whether on earth, still toiling in the vineyard; or in 
heaven, enjoying the rewards of their love and faith- 
fulness, and who now through no dim veil see Him 
whom they endeavored to serve, may I say to you 
individually — 

The Lord bless thee and keep thee. 

The Lord make His face shixe upon thee, 
and be gracious unto thee. 

The Lord lift up His countenance upon 
thee, and give thee peace. 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 



57 



In tl)e order of tljeir Installation. 



GEORGE W. BETHUNE, D. D. 
HENRY MANDEVILLE, D. D. 
JOHN P. KNOX, D. D. 
CHARLES WILEY, D. D. 
GEORGE H. FISHER, D. D. 
CHARLES E. KNOX, D. D. 
ASHBEL G VERMILYE, D. D. 
ISAAC S. HARTLEY, D. D. 



58 



Sem i- Cen ten n ia I J r ea r of the 



BACON, WILLIAM J. 
BAGG, MOSES M. 
BRAYTON, EDWARD S. 
BRODHEAD, CHARLES C. 
CHURCHILL, G. CLARENCE 
CLARKE, WILLIAM 
GOODRICH. ELIZUR 
NORTHWAY, RUFUS 



PEPPER, WILLIAM 
RATHBONE, JUSTUS H. 
STOCKING, SAMUEL 
STORRS, HAWKINS 
TIMERMAN, DAVID 
VARICK, ABRAHAM, Jr. 
WEAVER, GEORGE M. 
WOOD, THOMAS H. 



tlca'coiis. 



BACON, WILLIAM J. 




HACKETT, WILLIAM 


BAGG, MOSES M. 




JONES, J. WYMAN 


BAGG, SAMUEL F. 




KENDALL, E. S. 


BRAYTON, EDWARD 


S. 


NORTHWAY, RUFUS 


BROWER, ABRAM G. 




PARKER, JOB 


CHURCHILL, G. CLARENCE 


RATHBONE, JUSTUS H. 


CLARK, THOMAS E. 




SEYMOUR, JOHN F. 


CLARKE, WILLIAM 




STEELE, PETER G. 


COOPER, BENJAMIN 


F. 


TIMERMAN, DAVID 


CRITTENDEN, SETH 


W. 


VAUGHAN, RICHARD 


DANA, GEORGE S. 




VEDDER, NICHOLAS F. 


DANA, WILLIAM B. 




WALCOTT, WILLIAM 


DUBOIS, GEORGE 




WEAVER, GEORGE T. 


FANNING, FREDERICK H. 


WEAVER, NICHOLAS G. 


GASTON, SAMUEL B. 




WHIFFEN, JOHN 


GOODSELL, THOMAS 




WHITMAN, HORACE 


HACKETT, CORDEN 




WILLARD, WILLIAM 



WOOD, THOMAS H. 



Reformed Church, Utica, N. Y. 



BRAYTON, EDWARD S. 
CHURCHILL, G. CLARENCE 
CRITTENDEN, SETH W. 



MANN, MATTHEW D. 
RATHBONE, JUSTUS H. 
TIMERMAN, HENRY 



BLAKE, WILLIAM 
DIXSON, GEORGE 
DUTTON WILLIAM H. 
LAUGHLIN ETTA 



LEACH, ELIZA 
PERABEAU, EUGENE 
SIEBOTH, JOSEPH 
WETMORE, GEORGE 



BOICE, PHILIP 



CARLE, JOHN F. 

EVANS, THOMAS 



6o Semi-Centennial Year of the 



Members 

FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. 



A 


Barrows, Catharine 


ADDott, Mary JUiza 


Bates, Thomas Mrs. 


Allen Catharine 


Becker, Araminta C. 


Anable, Anna Maria 


Bellinger, Ann 


Andrews, Mary T. 


Bellinger, Jacob 


Armitage, Eliza 


Beltz, George 


r\.rm strong, iviary 


Benedict, Amzi 


Armstrong, William 


Best, Mary 


Arthur, Jane 


Bethune, Mary Williams 


A nf fin T? TV 

Austin, jd. r. 


Biggs, Harriet C. 


Avery, Amanda 


Blaney, Ada S. 
Hlisn, Khoda A. 


MM 


Bloodgood, Lynott 


Babcock, Electa M. 


Boice, Catharine 


Backus, Mary Ann 


.Boice, rlugn lvi. 


Bacon, Eliza K. 


Boice, Isabella 


Bacon, Fanny E. 


.Boice, Isabella Mrs. 


Bacon, Mary E. 


Boice, Jeannette 


Bacon, Susan S. 


Boice, Kitty 


Bacon, William J. 


Boice, Philip 


Bagg, Mary Louisa 


Boice, Philip H. 


Bagg, Moses M. 


Boice, Philip Jr. 


Bagg, Samuel F. 


Bowman, Adam 


Bagg, Sophia 


Bowman, Abigail W. 


Bagg, Susan Tracy 


Bowman, Mary Catharine 


Baldwin, Camilla E. 


Brand, Barbara 


Baldwin, Jane M. 


Brand, Mary 


Ballou, Charlotte W. 
Barnard, Emma 


Brayton, Annie S. 


Brayton, Catharine C. 


Barnard, Elizabeth G. 


Brayton, Edward 


Barnard, Harriet A. 


Brayton, Edward S. 


Barringer, Martha A. 


Brayton, Frances M. 


Barrows, Catharine 


Brayton, Mary Y. 



Reformed Church, 



Utica, N. Y. 



Brayton, Sarah 

Brayton, Susan 

Breese, Frances Helen 

Briggs, Charles Henry 

Briggs, Elizabeth 

Briggs, Florence A. 

Briggs, Frances M. 

Briggs, Frances Maria 

Briggs, Lucretia Forsyth 

Brodhead, Charles C. 

Brooks, Frances 

Brothers, I. Ann 

Brower, Abram G. 

Brower, Catharine DeKeemer 

Brower, Eliza 

Brower, Jennie 

Brower, Mary Ann 

Brown, Frederick 

Brown, Jane 

Brown, Richard H. 

Brown, Mrs. R. H. 

Burton, Julia Ann 

Butler, Gardiner 

Butler, Martha D. G. 

Butler, Sophia 

Buttolph, Catharine K. 

C 

Carman, Sarah Wright 
Case, Harriet 
Carter, George C. 
Carter, Louise D. 
Caston, Emma C. 
Chatheld, Cyrus 
Chatfield, Elizabeth 
Chatheld, Olive S. 
Christian, William H. 
Churchill, Alfred D. 
Churchill, Emma 
Churchill, G. Clarence 
Clark, Thomas E. 
Clarke, Cornelia 



Clarke, Cornelia C. 
Clarke, Elizabeth 
Clarke, George 
Clarke, Hovey K. 
Clarke, Jerusha 
Clarke, Mary 
Clitz, Mary 
Cole, Isaac P. 
Cole, John 
Cook, Frances 
Cook, H. P. 
Cooper, Benjamin F. 
Cooper, Edward L. 
Coventry, Jane 
Coward, La.ura 
Coward, Mrs. 
Cowen, William L. 
Crafts, Jane A. 
Crittenden, Cornelia G. 
Crittenden, Seth W. 
Crittenden, Walter H. 
Crittenden, William B. 
Crouse, Clara 
Crouse, C. Jane 
Crouse, Daniel 
Crouse, Florence A. 
Crouse, Laura 
Crouse, Mary L. 
Curtenius, Catharine M. 
Curtenius, Mary F. 
Cubler, Elizabeth 

D 

Dalliba, Sarah P. 
Dana, Brantley M. 
Dana, George, S. 
Dana, Huldah D. 
Dana, William B. 
Danigrand, Celeste 
Darrigrand, Esther 
Davenport, Anna 
Deming, Abby C. 



62 



Semi- Centennial Year of the 



Derbyshire, Charlotte 
Deyo, Catharine E. 
Diedrick, Daniel 
Donaldson, William 
Donaldson, Mrs. 
Doolittle, Sylvester 
Dratt, Catharine 
DuBois, George 
DuBois, Magdalene D. 
Dupre, Elizabeth Young 
Durkie, Ann 
D wight, Electa 

E 

Edgecomb, W. C. 
Edic, Abigail 
Edic, Christian 
Elting, Jane P. W. 
Erline, Fredrick G. 
Evans, Pattie 
Exceen, Anna Eliza 
Exceen, Mary Catharine 
Eysamen, Francis 
Eysamen, Maria C. 

F 

Fanning, Fred H. 
Fay, Maria P. 
Ferguson, Robert 
Ferrar, Mary 
Fisher, Amelia V. W. 
Fisher, Catharine H. 
Fisher, Elizabeth F. 
Fisher, Margaret C. 
Fisher, Mary Morgan 
Fisher, Rachel Hyde 
Floyd, Catharine 
Floyd, Jennie Leist 
Floyd, John G. 
Floyd, John G. Jr. 
Floyd, Nicol 
Floyd, Sarah 



Floyd, Sarah Kirkland 
Forgie, John 
Foster, Catharine E. 
Foster, Gilbert A. 
Foster, Orpah 
Fox, Charles 
Fox, Orpah Herrick . 
Frazer, William H. 
Fredericks, Hardina G. 
Fredericks, Hubertus 
Fredericks, John F. 

O 

Gardner, Agnes 
Gardner, Henry D wight 
Gardner, J. V. P. 
Gardner, John 
Gardner, Matilda 
Gardner, Rebecca S. 
Gardner, Sophia W. 
Gaston, Jane 
Gaston, Samuel B. 
Gillespie, Erastus W. 
Glikoff, Isaac 
Goodliffe, Naomi 
Goodsell, Susan 
Goodsell, Thomas 
Goodrich, Eliza Champion 
Goodrich, Elizur 
Goodrich, Ellen P. 
Gould, Charles 
Gould, Henrietta 
Grant, Innes 
Grantham, Elizabeth 
Gray, Ellen 
Gray, Jane 
Gray, John P. 
Gray, Martha 
Gray, William B. 
Gray, Mrs. W. B. 
Gridley, Caroline 
Gridley, Charlotte 



( 



Reformed Church, 

Gridley, Cornelia 
Gridley, Susan 
Griffiths, Mary 
Griggs, Alida Exceen 
Griggs, Eliza E. 
Griggs, Ira 
Gross, Maria C. H. 

H 

Hackett, Corden 
Hackett, Eliza 
Hackett, Lansing H. 
Hackett, Robert 
Hackett, William 
Haims, Ebenezer 
Hall, Mary 
Hall, Sarah E. 
Hammil, Elizabeth F. 
Hardenberg, Lewis D. 
Hartness, Sarah 
Harris, Elizabeth 
Harris, John D. M. 
Harrington, Eliza 
Harrington, Henrietta S. 
Harrison. Anna R. 
Harter, Delia Steele 
Harter, Nicholas 
Hartley, Isabella A. 
Harvey. Charles T. 
Harvey, Elizabeth W. 
Hasburgh, Jane 
Hatch, Hiram 
Hatch, Jarvis M. 
Hatch, Julia Ann 
Hatfield, Sarah 
Hazlitt, Jane 
Henderson, C. F. 
Higham, Eliza Brown 
Hill, Samuel 
Hilton, Sarah 
Hoban, Julia Estelle 
Hodges, Sarah L. 



Uttca, N. Y. 

Houghtaling, Martha 
Howell, Lucy 
Hubbard, Elizabeth 
Hurlburt, Sarah 
Hutchinson, Maria 
Hutchinson, Mary 

I 

Isham, Eliza 
Isham, Ida 
Isham, Isaac 

J 

Jackson, Margaret 
Jackson, Susan 
Jacobs, Mary 
Jenkins, Catharine 
Jenkins, Jane 
Jennison, Emma J. 
Jennison, Frederick 
Jennison, Kate 
Jepson, Mrs. E. 
Jepson, Edward 
Jones, Anthony A. 
Jones, Catharine A, 
Jones, Catharine Y. 
Jones, Eliza 
Jones, Elizabeth 
Jones, Humphrey 
Jones, Humphrey 
Jones, Jane Ann 
Jones, J. Wyman 
Jones, Mrs. J. W 
Jones, Peter 

K 

Keeling, Ella M. 
Keeling, Susan 
Kelly, Jane E. 
Kelly, Mary Ann 
Kendall, Anna 
Kendall, Seth H. 



Semi-Centennial Year of the 



Kincaid, Elizabeth 


McPherson, John 


Kincaid, Mary 


McPherson, Mary 


Kincaid, W. M. J. 


Mairs John 


Kirkland, Sarah 


Mairs, Hannah 


Kittle, Annie W. 


Mandeville, Harriet 


Kittle, Jennie 


Mann, Charles 


Kittle, Mary Jane 


Mann, Emma Mrs. 


Klinck, Eliza 


Mann, Emma 


Knott, Elizabeth M. 


Mann, Mathew D. 


Knowlson, Emetine 


Mason, Ann 


Knox, Aletta V. D 


Mason, E. W. 


Knox, Sarah F. 


Mason, Mary E. 


Kohler, Anna 


Mather, Sarah 




Meacham, Maria A. 


L, 


Mercer, Harriet B. 


Lane, Margaret F. 


Mickle, Isabella 


Langford, G. 


Mickle, James 


Lansing, Mary 


Millard, Sarah 


Latour, Anthony W. 


Miller, Cynthia T. 


Latour, Mrs. 


Miller, Maria 


Ledlie, Fannie 


Miller, Sarah 


Lee, Robert V. 


Mines, John Flavel 


Leighton, Sarah 


Mines, Caroline 


Leman, Jane 


Mitchell, Agnes 


Lewis, Emma Marsh 


Mitchell, Isabella 


Lighthall, Nancy 


Mitchell, Mary 


Livingston, Julia 


Mitchell, Thomas S. 


Lothrop, Francis E. 


Mix, Frances M. 


Lothrop, Hannah P. 


Morris, Delia Jf. 


Lott, Margaret E. 


Morris, Elizabeth 


Lott, Maria 


Morris, Sarah Ann 


Lott, Susan 


Morris, Watson D. 


Lyman, Lydia A. 


Muggridge, James 




Mumford, Mary S. 


m 




Macomber, Esther 


Neer, Elizabeth 


McAnall, John 


Neurs, Bernard 


McAnall, Mary 


Neurs, John 


McCall, Ann 


Neurs, Mary Ann 


McCready, Jane 


Neurs, Riley 


McLelland, Mary 


Nixen, Caroline 


McMillan, Ella 


Norris, Charles B. 


McMillan, Sally S. 


Northway, Rufus 



Reformed Church, 



Utica, N. Y. 



65 



o 

O'Conner, Hannah 
Olcott, Maria 
Overton, E. P. B. 
P 

Palmer, Azariah S. 
Palmer, Cyrus F. 
Palmer, Dorcas 
Palmer, Emma 
Palmer, Eugene 
Palmer, Harriet E. 
Palmer, Lucy A. 
Park, Frank W. 
Parker, Catharine 
Parker, Elizabeth 
Parker, Job 
Parker, Maria 
Paterson, James 
Pease, James G. 
Pease, John 
Pepper, William 
Perkins, Ella S. 
Perkins, Thomas J. 
Pethram, Ann 
Pethram, Grace 
Phflieger, Pauline 
Philips, Almira 
Philips, Jane 
Philips, W. C. 
Philips, William G. 
Pierce, William B. 
Pixley, Elizabeth J. 
Piatt, William L. 
Pond, Mary H. 
Porter, John 
Potter, Lucy Wilcox 
Pugh, Benjamin 
Pugh, Miriam 
Pugh, Miriam M. 
Purdy, E. 
Putnam, Amanda 
Putnam, Laura 



R 

Rathbone, Andalusia 
Rathbone, Frances D. 
Rathbone, Justus H. 
Rathbone, Mary D. 
Rathbone, Sarah 
Rees, Mary Grace 
Reid, Agnes S. 
Reid, William 
Remington, Sarah 
Richards, Addie 
Richards, Owen 
Richmond, Ira H. 
Richydt, Mary 
Rogers, Elizabeth 
Root, Analine 
Root, P. Sheldon 
Rowe, Charlotte 

S 

Sabine, John 
Sabine, Marie 
Sandiforth, Frances 
Sayre, Jane Ann 
Schachtel, Jacob 
Schachtel, Meta 
Schermerhorn, Catharine 
Schermerhorn, Catharine Y. 
Schermerhorn, Harriet 
Schermerhorn, John F. 
Schermerhorn, Mary 
Schrice, Sarah 
Schroeder, J. Henry 
Schwab, Eliza 
Schuyler, Mary A. 
Seager, Charles 
Seager, Sarah 

Seymour, Frances Tappan 
Seymour, John F. 
Seymour, Julia 
Seymour, Mary L. Mrs. 
Seymour, Mary L. 



Scmi-Ccntcnnial Year of the 



Seymour, Phebe 
Shadrach, Ann 
Shadrach, Sarah 
Shannon, Mary F. 
Shapley, Anna 
Shapley, Anna 
Shaw. Martha 
Shaw, Martha 
Shaw, Oliver J. 
Sheldon, Elizabeth L. 
Shepard, Abraham 
Shepard, Sarah 
Shepard, Sarah E. 
Sheridan, Cynthia A. 
Shirley, Ann 
Sicard, Mary 
Sicard, Stephen Jr. 
Sicard, Susan G. 
Simons, Mary Ann 
Simons, Thomas 
Smith, Isaac, 
Smith, Mary C. 
Snow, Abigail 
Snow, Sarah W. 
Sparks, Jane 
Spielpenning, Allernine 
Spielpenning, Leonard 
Spencer, Electa 
Spencer, Frances M. 
Spencer, George 
Spencer, Hamilton 
Spencer, Joshua A. 
Spencer, Mary E. 
Squires, Emily 
Squires, Lenia 
Staats, John 
Stafford, Alathina 
Starke, Henry 
Starke, Jeannette 
Starke, John 
Steele, Catharine W. 



Steele, Jerusha 
Steele, Moses 
Steele, Peter G. 
Stevens, Anna 
Stevens, Catharine 
Stevens, John W. 
Stocking, Elizabeth H. 
Stocking, Samuel 
Stone. Mary 
Storrs, Catharine 
Storrs, Hawkins 
Sunderland, Thomas 
Sunderland. Williamson 
Swartman, Harriet 
Sweet, Elizabeth N. 

X 

Tallman, George C. 
Tallman, Henry C. 
Tallman, Mrs. G. C. 
Tallman. Margarita H. 
Tarpenny, Catharine 
Thompson, Mrs. 
Thorp, George 
Thorp, Susan O. 
Timerman, David 
Timerman, Susan 
Timerman, Mary 
Tobie, Eliza A. 
Tolsen, Elizabeth 
Tracy, Charles 
Tracy, Frances 
Tracy, Louisa Kirkland 
Tracy. Lucy G. 
Tracy, Rachel 
Tracy, Susan 
Tracy, William 
Treen, Elizabeth 
Trosset, Celia E. 
Trosset. Francois 



LOFC. 



Reformed Church, Utzcct, N. Y. 



u 

Upson, Elizabeth E. 
Upson, Mary 
Ure, Eliza 

Van Baasten, Catharine 
Van Baasten, Garrett 
Van Baasten, Mary- 
Van Derheyden, Jacob 
Van Derheyden, Olive 
Van Size, Tunis 
Van Size, Eunice H. 
Van Ness, Catharine 
Van Ness, Frances Mary 
Van Rensselaer, Cornelia 
Van Rensselaer, James 
Van Rensselaer. Susan 
Van Rensselaer, Susan 
Van Vranken, Dorcas E. 
Varick, Ann 
Varick, Abraham, Jr. 
Vaughan, Jane 
Vaughan, Jane 
Vaughan, Richard 
Vedder, Cornelia B. 
Vedder, Nicholas 
Vermilye, Elizabeth B. 
Vermilye, Helen L. 
Vinton, John 
Voorhes, Dinah 

W 

Walcott William, 
Walker, Annie B. 
Walker, Cynthia E. 
Walker, Sarah Ann 
Weaver, Addie C. 
Weaver, Amasa 
Weaver, Catharine 
Weaver, Caroline Matilda 
Weaver, Charles W. 



Weaver, Delia 
Weaver, Delia B. 
Weaver, Elizabeth 
Weaver, Elizabeth 
Weaver, Elizabeth 
Weaver, Elizabeth C. 
Weaver, Eva 
Weaver, George T. 
Weaver, George M. 
Weaver, George M. 
Weaver, George M. 
Weaver, Gertrude D. 
Weaver, Harter 
Weaver, Jacob G. 
Weaver, Lydia 
Weaver, Margaret B. 
Weaver, Mary A. 
Weaver, Mary Amelia 
Weaver, Nicholas F. 
Weaver, Nicholas G. 
Welbon, Addie M. 
Welbon, Maria S. 
Wemple, C. Van Alstyi 
Wescott, Elizabeth L. 
Wheaton, Elizabeth 
Whedon, Flora Anna 
Whiffen, John L. 
Whiffen, John U. 
Whiffen, Mary 
Whiffen, Sarah 
Whiffen, Sarah S. 
Whiffen, Uridge 
White, Julia 
White, Mary 
White, Sarah 
Whitman, Evaline 
Whitman, Evaline S. 
Whitman, Horace 
Whittemore, Melissa 
Wick, Mary P. 
Wilcox, Adelia P. 
Wilcox, Clarinda 



Sent i- Cen ten n ia I Yea r. 



Wilcox, Lucy 
Wilcox, Mary Ann 
Wiley, Eliza P. 
Willard, William 
Williams, John 
Williams, Matilda 
Williamson, Elizabeth 
Williamson, Elkanah 
Williamson, James 
Williamson, James, Jr. 
Williamson, Janet 
Williamson, Rebecca 
Williamson, William 
Wines, Mrs. 
Winne, Phoebe 
Withers, William 
Wood, Bessie S. 
Wood, Sarah Maria 



Wood, Sarah W. 
Wood, Thomas H. 
Wright, Elizabeth 
Wright, Lydia 
Wynkoop, Eleanor 



Y 

Yates, Margaret 
Yates, Richard V. 
Young, Elizabeth 
Young Frederick W. 
Young, George 
Young, Jane 
Young, John 
Young, John 
Youngs, Caroline 
Youngs, Mary 
Youngs, Nicholas 



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